Russo-roumanian Conference Breaks on Question of Bessarabia

January 1, 1924

Vienna (Apr. 3)

The expected breakup of the Russo-Roumanian Conference occurred today, before actual negotiations had even begun, over the Bessarabian question. The impasse was reached when Roumania demanded as a preliminary to starting the conference the recognition of the status quo, leaving Bessarabia to her. The Russian Representative, Krestinsky, insisted that the Bessarabian question be decided by a plebescite.

Rascanu, the head of the Roumanian delegation, has left Vienna for Paris and Rome in order to inform the French and Italian Governments on the situation following the breaking off of the Conference. Roumania fears immediate Russian armed action in Bessarabia, according to the statement issued by Ranscanu.